Sterigenics Emitting Cancer-Causing Gas in Willowbrook, EPA Confirms

According to results of recent federal testing, a facility in west suburban Willowbrook is continuing to vent the toxic chemical ethylene oxide into surrounding neighborhoods. Spikes of the cancer-causing gas were found in higher concentrations than was detected before Sterigenics International installed new pollution-control equipment last year.

An administration official told area residents that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency does not have enough evidence to take action against the company. The agency is no closer to answering long-term health questions and concerns about the dangers from the air neighbors have been breathing in for more than three decades.

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and DuPage County state’s attorney Robert Berlin were among those local politicians from both political parties who have called for the shutdown of Sterigenics.

“The citizens of DuPage County should not have to endure this exposure to a known human carcinogen,” Raoul and Berlin said in a statement. “We will exercise all available legal authority to protect the community.”

What is Ethylene Oxide?

Ethylene oxide is a highly reactive chemical used as a sterilant for medical equipment and supplies and has been on the federal list of human carcinogens since 1985. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), chronic exposure to ethylene oxide has been associated with the occurrence of:

Birth defects and increased risk of miscarriage

Breast cancer

Hodgkin’s Disease

Leukemia

Lymphoma

Pancreatic cancer

Stomach cancer

Filing an Ethylene Oxide Lawsuit

Willowbrook area residents suffering with health issues related to the exposure of ethylene oxide from the Sterigenics’ facility may be entitled to recover damages for current and future medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Call the personal injury law offices of Cooney & Conway toll free at 800-322-5573 to discuss your potential case with an experienced legal professional. You can also CLICK HERE or fill out the free consultation contact information form located on this page to have all your questions answered.

Steve Koek is the Digital Marketing Manager at Cooney & Conway, and is responsible for the administration of the firm's web site and social media platforms. He can be reached at skoek@cooneyconway.com or through LinkedIn.